Sierra designs? Good/bad

[Kebler]

What's our experience with them, looking at a light year 1 man tent 3.lbs and cal down 13 bag 1.12 lbs, and advice.

 

[clindsayrun]

I've been carrying Sierra Designs tents for years.
Light weight, fast and easy to set up, and I've never been wet under one. I have the Light Year and carry it every summer. Just a little heavier than a bivy and way more comfortable. I'm 6'3" tall and can sit up and sleep comfortably in it. The fly is tight, but you can cram your pack under it.
The tent packs down small and easily fits inside my internal frame pack.

 

[Jplus4]

I used a Light Year for about three years and it held up great. I just switched to a Marmot EOS 1 for the side entry and a vestibule. The Light Year is semi side entry I guess you could say, but only has enough room to keep your boots dry. My EOS has slightly more room for a stove and boots. I don't know if it's in your price range, but the new GoLite looks really good.
I also just purchased the SD DriDown 23 and tested it this weekend. It held up ok. I shaved almost a pound off compared to my REI Lumen bag. I checked temps and it hit 39d overnight. I had to wake up in the middle of the night and put socks on. I'm not so sure on the 23d rating. I am a cold sleeper too. I'm going to give it another try soon. The quality looks good.
Overall I think SD has quality stuff.